The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has established this guidance portal in compliance with Executive Order 13891 of October 9, 2019, entitled Promoting the Rule of Law Through Improved Agency Guidance Documents. By February 28, 2020, all BOEM guidance documents remaining in effect may be found on this portal. Guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, unless expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract. BOEM may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on this website, except to establish historical facts.
If you have questions or comments regarding any of BOEM's guidance documents -- including requests to withdraw or modify specific guidance, please email OfficeofRegulations@boem.gov.
Archived information can also be found at Archived Guidance and Archived Notices To Lessees And Operators.
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Document Name |
Original Issue Date |
Date added to this portal |
BOEM Unique Identifier |
Topic |
Content/Summary |
| 2023 OCS Emissions Inventory Western and Central Gulf of Mexico and Adjacent to the North Slope Borough of the State of Alaska | 10-01-2022 | 09-20-2022 | BOEM NTL No 2022-N01 | 2023 OCS Emissions Inventory | BOEM is issuing this NTL to instruct lessees and operators about the activity information and related emissions source data they should collect and submit for use in the 2023 Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Emissions Inventory. |
| Shallow Hazards Survey and Evaluation for OCS Exploration and Development Drilling (Alaska OCS) | 10-01-2022 | 09-09-2022 | BOEM NTL No. 2022-A01 |
Shallow Hazards Surveys |
This NTL provides guidance for shallow hazards geophysical surveys, evaluations and reporting procedures for the BOEM Alaska Regional Office. |
| Shallow Hazards Program (Gulf of Mexico OCS) | 10-01-2022 | 09-09-2022 | BOEM NTL No. 2022-G01 | Gulf of Mexico shallow hazards program | This NTL notifies lessees, operators and pipeline ROW holders of the GOM shallow hazards program and describes the surveys, reports, analyses, and mitigations needed to minimize risk to human life and the environment. |
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10-01-2020 |
10-01-2020 |
BOEM NTL No. 2020-N02 |
BOEM’s Approved Air Quality Models |
This NTL informs lessees and operators of the approved air quality models that should be used for air quality assessment in the areas that BOEM regulates on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). |
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10-01-2020 |
10-01-2020 |
NTL No. 2020-N03 |
2021 OCS Emissions Inventory |
This NTL instructs lessees and operators about the emissions source data and reports they should submit for use by BOEM in preparing the 2021 OCS Emissions Inventory. |
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10-01-2020 |
10-01-2020 |
NTL No. 2020-G01 |
Air Quality Information Requirements for Exploration Plans, Development Operations Coordination Documents, and Development and Production Plans |
This NTL provides guidance to facilitate lessees’ and operators’ submittal of necessary emissions information to facilitate BOEM’s timely review of Exploration Plans, Development Operations Coordination Documents and Development and Production Plans in the GOM Region. |
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10-01-2020 |
10-01-2020 |
NTL No. 2020-G02 |
Air Dispersion Modeling Information for Exploration Plans, Development Operations Coordination Documents, and Development and Production Plans |
This NTL describes how to conduct dispersion modeling in the areas of the GOM where BOEM has air quality jurisdiction. |
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Reporting of Air Emissions in Exploration Plans and Development and Production Plans – Alaska OCS |
10-01-2020 |
10-01-2020 |
NTL No. 2020-A01 |
Reporting of Air Emissions in Exploration Plans and Development and Production Plans |
This NTL provides guidance for lessees and operators on submittal of necessary emissions information to facilitate BOEM’s timely review of Exploration Plans and Development and Production Plans in the Alaska Region. |
| Air Dispersion Modeling Information for Exploration Plans and Development and Production Plans – Alaska OCS
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10-01-2020 |
10-01-2020 |
NTL No. 2020-A02 |
Air Dispersion Modeling Information for Exploration Plans and Development and Production Plans |
This NTL provides air dispersion modeling guidance applicable to lessees’ and operators’ activities on areas of the Alaska OCS where BOEM has air quality jurisdiction. |
| Procedure for Change of Existing and New Operator Oil and Gas Program | 07-05-2017 | 02-28-2020 | Procedure for Change of Existing/New Operator for the Oil and Gas program in the Pacific OCS. | Guidance on Change of Existing/New Operator of Leases in the Pacific OCS Region. Updated July 5, 2017. | |
| Implementation of Seismic Survey Mitigation Measures and Protected Species Observer Program | 09-30-2016 | 06-19-2020 | NTL-2016-G02 | Seismic Surveys and Protected Species Observers | This NTL clarifies that after March 13, 2020, the mitigation measures included in Appendix A of the National Marine Fisheries Service’s 2020 Biological Opinion will be applied in place of this NTL. |
| Vessel Strike Avoidance and Injured/Dead Protected Species Reporting | 08-30-2016 | 06-19-2020 | NTL-2016-G01 | Vessel strike mitigation measures to reduce impacts on ESA-listed species | This NTL clarifies that after March 13, 2020, the mitigation measures included in Appendix C of the National Marine Fisheries Service’s 2020 Biological Opinion will be applied in place of this NTL. |
| Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Investigations of Unidentified Magnetic Anomalies and/or Side-Scan Sonar Targets: Methodological Guidelines | 10-01-2015 | 02-28-2020 | Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Investigations of Unidentified Magnetic Anomalies and/or Side-Scan Sonar Targets: Methodological Guidelines | These guidelines are used for determining National Register eligibility of potential resources in deep water. | |
| Procedures and Requirements for Right-of-Use and Easement Requests for Platforms, Artificial Islands, Installations and Other Devices Attached to the Seabed | 09-08-2015 | 02-28-2020 | NTL-2015-N06 | Procedures and Requirements for Right-of-Use and Easement (RUE) Requests | This NTL clarifies policy on requirements for RUE requests.to construct and maintain platforms, artificial islands, installations and other devices permanently or temporarily attached to the seabed. |
| General Financial Assurance | 08-17-2015 | 02-28-2020 | NTL-2015-N04 | General bond (financial assurance) requirements | This NTL clarifies BOEM’s implementation of the requirements for general financial assurance applicable to oil and gas, and sulphur leases, pipeline rights-of-way (ROW) and right-of-use-and-easement (RUE) grants and a specific type of permit issued by BOEM. |
| Limitations on Credit Card Collection Transactions and Policy for Splitting Transactions | 07-22-2015 | 02-28-2020 | NTL-2015-N03 | Maximum dollar amount allowed for a credit card transaction and policy on splitting transactions | Maximum dollar amount allowed for a credit card transaction and policy on splitting transactions |
| Elimination of Expiration Dates on Certain Notices to Lessees and Operators Pending Review and Reissuance | 02-06-2015 | 02-28-2020 | NTL-2015-N02 | Elimination of expiration dates on NTLs | This NTL eliminates expiration dates of NTLS posted on the BOEM website as of February 6, 2015. |
| Information Requirements for Exploration Plans, Development and Production Plans, and Development Operations Coordination Documents on the OCS for Worst Case Discharge and Blowout Scenarios | 01-14-2015 | 02-28-2020 | NTL-2015-N01 | Information Requirements for EPs, DOCDs and DPPs. | This NTL provides that EPs, DOCDs and DPPs that include a drilling activity must include a blowout scenario. All plans must include information on potential oil spills and calculations of the worst case discharge scenario. |
| Frequently Asked Questions Information Sheet for Information Requirements for Exploration Plans, Development and Production Plans, and Development Operations Coordination Documents on the OCS for Worst Case Discharge and Blowout Scenarios | 01-14-2015 | 02-28-2020 | NTL-2015-N01 FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions on NTL-2015-N01 | This FAQ guidance document contains frequently asked questions and answers concerning NTL No. 2015-N01. |
| Designation of Operator of an OCS Oil and Gas or Sulphur Lease | 11-20-2013 | 06-19-2020 | NTL-2014-G02 | Designation of Operator (DOO) for an OCS oil and gas or sulphur lease. | This NTL provides guidance on how and when to create or change a DOO that involves record title or operating rights to a lease, or an individual well or multiple wells. |
| Bottomhole Pressure Surveys | 05-01-2013 | 06-22-2020 | NTL-2013-P01 | Bottomhole Pressure (BHP) Surveys in the Pacific OCS Region. | This NTL provides guidance on BHP surveys in the Pacific OCS Region. |
| Well Producibility Determinations | 03-01-2013 | 06-19-2020 | NTL-2013-G01 | Requests for well producibility determinations | This NTL provides guidance on how to request a well producibility determination for wells drilled in the Gulf of Mexico OCS. |
| Electronic Submittal of Company, Qualification, Financial Assurance, and Bonding Information and Documents | 06-06-2012 | 02-28-2020 | NTL-2012-N01 | Electronic submittal of documents | This NTL establishes procedures for electronic submittals and waiver of requirement for corporate seal for documents submitted electronically. |
| Guidance for Compliance with Mitigation 3.20 Avoidance of Archaeological Resources | 09-16-2012 | 02-28-2020 | Standard Mitigation 3.20 | Guidelines for complying with a condition of approval | Allows operator’s plan to be approved before survey is submitted to document absence of archaeological resources |
| Biologically-Sensitive Underwater Features and Areas | 01-27-2010 | 02-28-2020 | NTL-2009-G39 | Shallow water (<300 m) biologically sensitive habitat features | This NTL provides operators with clarification regarding topographic feature and Pinnacle Trend lease stipulations, and implementation of mitigation measures around other shallow water hard bottom features. |
| Deepwater Benthic Communities | 01-27-2010 | 02-28-2020 | NTL-2009-G40 | Deepwater (>300 m) Benthic Communities | This NTL provides operators clarification on the type of information needed to review for deepwater benthic habitats and communities and implementation of mitigation measures. |
| Change of Ownership/Operatorship of Leases and Pipelines | 12-18-2009 | 02-28-2020 | NTL-2009-P06 | Changes of ownership/operatorship of leases and pipelines in the Pacific OCS Region. | This NTL provides guidance on changes of ownership/operatorship of leases and pipelines in the Pacific OCS Region |
| Air Quality Jurisdiction on the OCS | 12-04-2009 | 06-19-2020 | NTL-2009-N11 | Division of air quality jurisdiction on the OCS between BOEM and EPA. | This NTL clarifies that BOEM regulates air quality for facilities on the OCS in the area of the Gulf of Mexico west of 87°30'W longitude and in the area offshore of the North Slope Borough of Alaska. |
| Ancillary Activities | 12-01-2009 | 06-19-2020 | NTL- 2009-G34 | Ancillary activities in the Gulf of Mexico OCS | This NTL provides guidance on conducting ancillary activities, including notifications and what activities will require an OCS plan. |
| Appeals | 11-20-2009 | 02-28-2020 | NTL-2009-N12 | Appeals of BOEM decisions or orders. | This NTL clarifies the procedures to use to appeal any decision or order issued by BOEM. |
| MMS Policy on Refund Requests for Service Fees | 11-01-2009 | 02-28-2020 | NTL-2009-N09 | Requests for refunds of service fees. | This NTL clarifies BOEM policy and provides instructions on refund requests for service fees. |
| U. S. Air Force Communication Towers | 09-09-2009 | 06-23-2020 | NTL-2009-G26 | U.S. Air Force Communications Towers in the Gulf of Mexico OCS. | This NTL provides the X and Y coordinates for Air Force communication towers located in the Gulf of Mexico OCS and guidance concerning operational restrictions near the towers. |
| Submitting Exploration Plans and Development Operations Coordination Documents | 09-09-2009 | 02-28-2020 | NTL-2009-G27 | Revising Exploration Plans (EPs) and Development Operations Coordination Documents (DOCDs) | This NTL clarifies the policy for revising EPs and DOCDs in the Gulf of Mexico. |
| Significant OCS Sediment Resources in the Gulf of Mexico | 01-27-2009 | 02-28-2020 | NTL-2009-G04 | Avoidance and protection of significant OCS sediment resources | This NTL provides guidance for the avoidance and protection of significant OCS sediment resources essential to coastal restoration initiatives in the Gulf of Mexico OCS Region. |
| Guidelines for Oil Spill Financial Responsibility (OSFR) for Covered Facilities | 08-26-2008 | 02-28-2020 | NTL-2008-N05 | Oil Spill Financial Responsibility (OSFR) | This NTL provides policies and procedures for submitting OSFR documents for covered facilities. |
| Information Requirements for Exploration Plans and Development Operations Coordination Documents | 05-01-2008 | 02-28-2020 | NTL-2008-G04 | Information requirements for Exploration Plans (EPs) and Development Operations Coordination Documents (DOCDs) | This NTL provides additional guidance on the information included in submitted plans to meet the requirements to comply with BOEM regulations. The NTL also helps provide guidance on information necessary for BOEM to ensure activities comply with the Endangered Species Act. |
| Water Quality Spreadsheets (2 spreadsheets) | 08-22-2019 | 02-28-2020 | Assist with preparation of Plans that follow NTL 2008-G04 | These two spreadsheets may be used to replace the six tables requested in NTL-2008-G04. | |
| Archaeological Survey and Report Requirements | 10-16-2006 | 02-28-2020 | NTL-2006-P03 | Archaeological survey and report requirements for the Pacific OCS Region | This NTL provides guidance on archaeological surveys and report requirements for the Pacific OCS Region. |
| Biological Survey and Report Requirements | 10-16-2006 | 02-28-2020 | NTL-2006-P02 | Biological survey and report requirements for the Pacific OCS Region | This NTL provides guidance on biological surveys and report requirements for the Pacific OCS Region. |
| Shallow Hazards Survey and Evaluation for Alaska Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Pipeline Routes and Rights-of-Way | 07-25-2005 | 02-28-2020 | NTL-2005-A02 | Shallow hazards surveys and evaluations in the Alaska OCS Region. | This NTL provides guidance for conducting pipeline ROW shallow hazards geophysical evaluations, surveys and reporting in the Alaska OCS Region. |
| Diver Evaluation of Unidentified Magnetic Anomalies and/or Side-Scan Sonar Targets: Search and Methodological Requirements | 08-18-2000 | 02-28-2020 | Guidelines for complying with a condition of approval if operator is unable to avoid a potential archaeological resource | These guidelines are used for determining National Register eligibility of potential resources in shallow water. | |
| 07-01-2005 | 06-25-2020 | NTL-2005-G07 | Archaeological resource reports and archaeological surveys in the Gulf of Mexico OCS. | This NTL clarifies when BOEM may require an archaeological resource report and provides recommendations on how to prepare such a report and conduct archaeological surveys. | |
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Archaeological Survey and Evaluation for Exploration and Development Activities |
07-25-2005 | 06-24-2020 | NTL-2005-A03 | Archaeological resource reports and archaeological surveys in the Alaska OCS. | This NTL clarifies when BOEM may require an archaeological resource report and provides recommendations on how to prepare such a report and conduct archaeological surveys. |
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Document Name |
Original Issue Date |
Date added to this portal |
BOEM Unique Identifier |
Topic |
Content/Summary |
| Managing Multiple Uses in the Gulf of Mexico | 02-28-2020 | Gulf of Mexico Lease Blocks with Significant Sediment Resources | Gulf of Mexico Lease Blocks with Significant Sediment Resources to reference when submitting Exploration and Development Plan | ||
| Model Decommissioning Trust Agreement | 02-28-2020 | Model Decommissioning Trust Agreement | Model Decommissioning Trust Agreement |
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Document Name |
Original Issue Date |
Date added to this portal |
BOEM Unique Identifier |
Topic |
Content/Summary |
| 02-06-2023 | 02-10-2023 | Guidelines and Instructions for Native American Tribes Communications Plan Development |
This guidance provides considerations for lessees of the New York Bight Leases (OCS-A 0537– 0544) and Carolina Long Bay Leases (OCS-A 0545–0546) (Lessees) when satisfying the Native American Tribal Communications Plan (NATCP) lease stipulation that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has recently included in offshore renewables leases issued under Section 8(p) of Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act. |
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| Guidelines for Lighting and Marking of Structures Supporting Renewable Energy Development | 04-28-2021 | 04-28-2021 | Guidelines for Lighting and Marking of Structures Supporting Renewable Energy Development | BOEM has posted its final guidelines for lighting and marking of structures supporting offshore wind energy projects. These guidelines promote safe navigation in the air and on the sea and mitigate harm to life, natural resources, and the environment. | |
| BOEM / FERC Guidelines on Regulation of Marine Hydrokinetic Energy Projects on the OCS | 05-27-2020 | 06-05-2020 | Marine and Hydrokinetic energy (MHK) projects. | These guidelines provide information on the process of obtaining an MHK lease and license for projects on the OCS. BOEM has jurisdiction to issue leases while FERC has jurisdiction to issue licenses for the same projects. | |
| Filing Applications for Renewable Energy Leases, Grants, and Alternate Use Grants on the Outer Continental Shelf | 05-27-2020 | 06-05-2020 | NTLA-No-REN-N03 | Filing addresses for applications. | This NTL updates the areas covered and the office address of each BOEM Regional Office where applicants should file for renewable energy leases and grants and alternate use grants on the U.S. OCS. |
| Guidelines for Activities Requiring Authorization for Renewable Energy Development on the Outer Continental Shelf | 05-27-2020 | 06-05-2020 | Renewable energy activities requiring authorization | These guidelines explain what activities relating to the development of wind, wave and ocean current resources require a lease, easement or right-of-way issued by BOEM. | |
| Guidelines for Providing Archaeological and Historic Property Information | 05-27-2020 | 06-05-2020 | Archaeological Properties Identification | These guidelines contain recommendations on effective methods for identifying historic properties. | |
| Guidelines for Providing Avian Survey Information for Renewable Energy Development on the Outer Continental Shelf | 05-27-2020 | 06-05-2020 | Avian Surveys | These guidelines contain recommendations for complying with avian information requirements. | |
| Guidelines for Providing Geophysical, Geotechnical, and Geohazard Information | 05-27-2020 | 06-05-2020 | Geological and geophysical, geotechnical and geohazard information. | These guidelines contain recommendations for acquiring geophysical, geotechnical and geohazard information. | |
| Guidelines for Providing Information on Fisheries Social and Economic Conditions for Renewable Energy Development on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf | 05-27-2020 | 06-05-2020 | Information on Fisheries Social and Economic Conditions | These guidelines contain recommendations for complying with information requirements enabling full consideration of the social and economic impact to fishery stakeholders. | |
| Guidelines for Submission of Spatial Data for Atlantic Offshore Renewable Energy Development Site Characterization Surveys | 05-27-2020 | 06-05-2020 | Spatial Data | These guidelines provide a framework for submission of spatial data from site characterization surveys. | |
| Information Guidelines for a Renewable Energy Construction and Operations Plan (COP) | 05-27-2020 | 06-05-2020 | Construction Operation Plan (COP) | These guidelines contain recommended information to submit for a COP describing proposed activities and planned facilities to be constructed and used for projects under commercial leases. | |
| Qualification Guidelines to Acquire and Hold Renewable Energy Leases and Grants and Alternate Use Grants on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf | 05-27-2020 | 06-05-2020 | Qualifications | These guidelines contain recommendations to qualify for and hold renewable energy leases and grants and alternate use grants on the OCS, and list the documentation lessees and grantees are to submit to BOEM for a qualification determination. | |
| Draft Proposed Guidelines for Providing Information on Lighting and Marking of Structures Supporting Renewable Energy Development | 10-24-2019 | 02-28-2020 | Lighting and Marking of Renewable Energy Structures on the OCS | These guidelines contain recommendations regarding lighting and marking design for wind energy facilities, and outline the types of information that BOEM requests from lessees as part of their SAP, COP, or GAP, as applicable. | |
| Guidelines for Providing Information on Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles for Renewable Energy Development on the Atlantic OCS | 06-19-2019 | 02-28-2020 | Marine Mammal Surveys | These guidelines contain recommendations for acquiring information characterizing marine mammal and sea turtle distribution and abundance. | |
| Guidelines for Providing Information on Fisheries for Renewable Energy Development on the Atlantic OCS | 06-19-2019 | 02-28-2020 | Fisheries Surveys | These guidelines contain recommendations for obtaining baseline information on key fishery species and habitat within a survey area. | |
| Guidelines for Information Requirements for a Renewable Energy SAP | 06-19-2019 | 02-28-2020 | Site Assessment Plan (SAP) | These guidelines contain information requirements for an SAP for OCS renewable energy activities on commercial leases. | |
| Guidelines for Providing Benthic Habitat Survey Information for Renewable Energy Development on the Atlantic OCS | 06-19-2019 | 02-28-2020 | Benthic Habitat Surveys | These guidelines contain recommendations for acquiring information to characterize benthic habitats within a survey area affected by proposed operations. | |
| Draft Design Envelope Guidelines | 01-12-2018 | 02-28-2020 | Design Envelope | These guidelines contain recommendations for lessees opting for a PDE permitting approach in their COP. |